Vocabulary Unit 3

Question 1

Circuitous

Answer 1

Roundabout, not direct

Question 2

Vitriolic

Answer 2

Bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

Question 3

Nominal

Answer 3

Existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

Question 4

Inadvertent

Answer 4

Resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

Question 5

Adventitious

Answer 5

Resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause; accidental; not essential

Question 6

Seditious

Answer 6

Resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing a government

Question 7

Noncommittal

Answer 7

Not decisive or definite; unwilling to take clear position

Question 8

Tenuous

Answer 8

Thin, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance; poorly supported

Question 9

Wheedle

Answer 9

To use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end

Question 10

Peculate

Answer 10

To steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly

Question 11

Enjoin

Answer 11

To direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

Question 12

Abominate

Answer 12

To have an intense dislike or hatred for

Question 13

Expiate

Answer 13

To make amends, atone, make up for; to ward off or avert

Question 14

Ascribe

Answer 14

To assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute

Question 15

Commiserate

Answer 15

To sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling if distress

Question 16

Expedite

Answer 16

To make easy, cause to progress faster

Question 17

Sangfroid

Answer 17

Composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

Question 18

Proclivity

Answer 18

A natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially in human behavior)

Question 19

Acculturation

Answer 19

The modification of social patterns of one group by contact with those of another

Question 20

Ferment

Answer 20

(n. ) A state of great excitement, agitation or turbulence

(v. ) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action